Chicago is a city that exudes confidence and pride, showcased through its impressive skyscrapers and beautiful lakeshore. It reflects the values of hard work and determination found in the American heartland. A trip to Chicago provides visitors with the opportunity to witness the accomplishments of an American city.
The city offers a wide range of tourist attractions that provide unique views of its iconic skyline. Additionally, being located on Lake Michigan, Chicago boasts a stunning waterfront with picturesque parks and a bustling pier.
With its diverse offerings and numerous activities, Chicago, being the third-largest city in the United States, is definitely worth a visit.
20. Chicago River
The waterway in Chicago is a significant feature that represents the city’s character. In 1900, an amazing engineering project was completed where the flow of the Chicago River was reversed. This was achieved by installing canal locks, redirecting the water to empty into the Mississippi River instead of Lake Michigan.
Nowadays, there is a mile-long pedestrian Riverwalk on the south bank of the river in the downtown district, providing visitors with a beautiful green area to walk and enjoy the views of the city. Additionally, visitors can take river cruises that offer historical information about Chicago’s famous landmarks.
19. Sears Tower
Although it is no longer the tallest building in the world since it was renamed Willis Tower in 2009, the Sears Tower is still a very popular tourist spot in Chicago. This massive structure was finished in 1973 and it has incredibly fast elevators that can travel up to 1,600 feet per minute.
Once visitors reach the 103rd-floor Skydeck in just 70 seconds, they can experience the sensation of the building swaying on windy days. From the Skydeck, one can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and even catch glimpses of the neighboring states of Michigan and Wisconsin.
18. Millennium Park
Millennium Park gained a bad reputation even before its opening because it faced delays and exceeded its budget by a significant amount. Nevertheless, once completed, it surprisingly turned out to be quite pleasant. In addition to having ample grassy areas and open spaces, the park showcases contemporary art installations made of steel and glass.
One of the most popular attractions is The Bean, officially known as Cloud Gate, which has become a must-visit spot for tourists in Chicago. Furthermore, the park features the Pritzker Pavilion, a concert venue designed by Frank Gehry.
During winter, an ice rink provides a fun skating experience, while in the summer, it transforms into an outdoor restaurant.
17. Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Americas. It is located at the north end of Jackson Park. The museum is so big that visitors can spend days or even weeks exploring its exhibits.
The exhibits include a wide range of things like trains, planes, a captured German submarine, and a full-size replica of a coal mine. The museum opened in 1933 and is housed in the former Palace of Fine Arts, which was originally built for the 1893 World Expo.
Some sections of the museum focus on anatomy or genetics, while others explore the evolution of industry and transportation. Visitors can also experience mock tornados and try science experiments. With over 75 halls to explore, this museum is truly amazing and should not be missed.
16. Robie House
The Robie House is a stunning example of American architecture located just twenty minutes’ drive south of the city center. It is now a National Historic Site and can be found on the University of Chicago campus. Inside, guided tours allow visitors to explore the attractive interior of the house.
The renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed this beautiful building in 1909, showcasing the Prairie-style architecture at its finest. The interior perfectly complements the sharp angles and horizontal lines of the exterior with its fine furnishings, period pieces, and colorful art-glass windows.
15. 360 Chicago Observation Deck
The Lakefront Trail provides nice views from ground level, but the 360 Chicago Observation Deck offers even better views from high up. Located on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, visitors can see the city’s skyline, Michigan Lake, and the Magnificent Mile.
On clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views that stretch up to ninety kilometers and even grab a drink at the bar in the tall skyscraper. In addition to stunning sunsets, adventurous visitors can try TILT, a thrill ride that tilts so you can see the city’s streets, which are 300 meters below.
14. North Avenue Beach
North Avenue is widely considered to be the best beach in Chicago. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, with many amenities nearby. The beach is situated along Lake Michigan, within Lincoln Park, just a short drive north of downtown. It has golden sands that are kept in place by piers, creating a unique scallop-shaped shoreline.
North Avenue Beach also has volleyball courts and a path for running, cycling, or rollerblading. Visitors can enjoy a bar and restaurant, as well as breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. The beach also hosts various large festivals and events throughout the year.
13. Navy Pier
One of the top places to visit in Chicago is the Navy Pier, a long pier that extends into Lake Michigan and offers a wide range of fun and family-friendly activities. It is filled with exciting rides, beautiful gardens, and many interesting attractions. There are also numerous restaurants and shops scattered throughout the mile-long pier.
As you stroll along, you will discover theaters, museums, public plazas, and performance spaces, where various cultural events and festivals take place all year round. In addition, there is a tall Ferris wheel and a historic carousel to enjoy. You can also play mini-golf or go on sightseeing cruises.
12. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit as it is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. It is located in a beautiful building built for the 1893 World Expo and can be found in Grant Park.
The museum was founded in 1879 and has an impressive collection of artwork, including masterpieces by famous artists like Magritte, Monet, Renoir, Rembrandt, and Picasso. While it is well-known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, you can also find artifacts and artworks from Africa and Asia.
Two of its most famous American works are Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks.
11. Lincoln Park Zoo
Located in Lincoln Park, a large park in the north of the center, Lincoln Park Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals. The zoo has numerous exhibits that allow visitors to explore different animals and ecosystems from all around the world. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Established in 1868, it is one of the oldest zoos in North America and currently houses over 1,100 animals. In addition to rhinos, hippos, and gorillas, visitors can also see penguins and polar bears. One of the most popular attractions at the zoo is the historic Kovler Lion House.
10. Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is a renowned shopping destination that offers a wide range of department stores, luxury retailers, and multi-storey malls. It stretches from Oak Street to the Chicago River and is perfect for those who love shopping.
The area is surrounded by impressive skyscrapers and iconic buildings like the Chicago Water Tower and Wrigley Building. The nickname “Mag Mile” was given to this upscale area by Arthur Robloff, a real estate magnate, in the 1940s.
Apart from its unique boutiques and designer shops, the Magnificent Mile also boasts excellent restaurants and luxury hotels. It serves as a gateway to various landmarks and tourist attractions in Chicago, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Wrigley Building, and the Chicago Water Tower.
9. Maggie Daley Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to hang out, check out Maggie Daley Park. It’s located in the Loop and you can walk there from Millennium Park using a pedestrian bridge. The park is perfect for families because it has lots of playgrounds, places for picnics, and big open green spaces.
Plus, they even have climbing walls and a mini-golf course! The park is named after Maggie Daley, who used to be the first lady of the city. They completely redesigned the park in 2015 and now it has six different play areas for kids to explore. One of the play areas is called the Watering Hole and it has animal-themed features.
Near that, you can see the boats in the Harbor and the Enchanted Forest, which has twisty walkways.
8. Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail is a famous and beautiful path that runs along the western shore of Lake Michigan. It is about thirty kilometers long and connects Chicago’s large lakeside parks with its many beaches and attractions. The trail is paved and provides stunning views of both the lake and the city’s skyline.
It begins at Edgewater Beach on the North Side and ends at South Shore on the other side of town, passing through Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile along the way. In addition to its incredible scenery and landmarks, the trail is ideal for activities like walking, running, cycling, or skating.
7. Shedd Aquarium
The John G. Shedd Aquarium is located in the same area as the Field Museum, near the lakeshore. Inside the aquarium, you can find over 1,500 species of sea life, including a lot of fish (around 32,500), and also birds, insects, and amphibians.
It was finished building in 1930 and now it receives more than two million visitors every year, making it one of the most popular aquariums in the United States.
The exhibits in the aquarium are organized in different areas such as the “Caribbean Reef” and the award-winning “Amazon Rising.” One of the most loved exhibits is the Oceanarium, which is home to dolphins and beluga whales.
6. Wrigley Field
If you’re looking for a fun and unforgettable experience, watching the Chicago Cubs play baseball at Wrigley Field is a must. Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in the country, right after Boston’s Fenway Park. It’s situated on the North Side of Chicago and only a fifteen-minute drive from the center.
Named after the chewing gum magnate, Wrigley Field was constructed in 1914 and still has a charming old-fashioned look and feel. The park’s ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-turned scoreboard, and iconic entrance are well-known features.
In addition to enjoying an exciting and lively game, you can also take fantastic tours that provide insight into the team and the field’s history.
5. Buckingham Fountain
The Buckingham Fountain is a beautiful fountain located in Grant Park. It was designed by architect Edward Bennett, who took inspiration from the Latona Fountain at Versailles. This fountain is well-known for its large size and the height of its water spray, which can go as high as 15 stories.
The fountain has four statues of sea horses that shoot out water, representing the four states surrounding Lake Michigan. The pool of the fountain symbolizes the lake itself. The fountain was generously donated to the city by a woman named Kate Sturges Buckingham, who was a supporter of the arts.
She inherited a huge amount of money when she was just 32 years old. She was called “Chicago’s Grandest Spinster” and left the fountain to the city as a memorial for her brother. In 1927, she also established a trust fund to keep the fountain running.
The Buckingham Fountain is considered a famous landmark in Chicago and has even been featured in the introductions of TV shows like Married with Children and Crime Story.
4. Chicago Water Tower
The Chicago Water Tower was created by architect William Boyington and stands 47 meters tall. It used to be an important part of the city’s water system. In 1871, a big fire started in a barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary and spread fast, destroying the whole business area of Chicago.
The water tower is one of the few buildings that remained standing after the Great Chicago Fire and represents the city’s strength. Nowadays, it houses the City Gallery, where local artists and photographers display their artwork. It’s a beautiful structure made of limestone.
3. The 606
The Bloomington Line used to be a raised train track, but now it has been transformed into the 606, which is a park and trail network. It is about four kilometers long and provides a lovely and scenic place for walking, running, or biking. The 606 connects various parks and areas on the northwest side of the city together.
The railway track, which is over a hundred years old, was abandoned and became overgrown with weeds until it was converted into a greenway in 2015. Now, the paved path is adorned with beautiful flowerbeds, trees, and shrubs, offering stunning views of the city as you stroll along.
2. Chicago Theatre
Not far from the park is the famous Chicago Theater. It hosts a variety of events like concerts, plays, magic shows, stand-up comedy, speeches, and sporting events. You can easily spot it because of its illuminated six-story sign. The theater is luxurious and leaves a lasting impression on those who attend an event there.
It was built in 1921 and has a stunning neo-baroque interior design that takes inspiration from the Palace of Versailles. The lobby and galleries are grand and impressive. The auditorium is also magnificent, with beautiful crystal chandeliers illuminating the marvelous murals and gilded decorations on the walls and ceilings.
1. Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History was founded because of the World’s Fair held in Chicago in 1893. It was initially meant to display exhibits from the fair, but it soon became a collection of natural history artifacts and exhibitions. The museum was relocated to its present location in Grant Park in 1921 and is now part of the Museum Campus.
The exhibits vary, including a taxidermy collection of big animals like African elephants and an extensive collection of Native American artifacts.
The most popular exhibit in the museum is the 40-foot long Tyrannosaurus skeleton called “Sue.” Many visitors believe that their trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without seeing this famous dinosaur.
